Young Australian of the Year

Nominee

2019 QLD Young Australian of the Year Nominee

Ms Kristen Larsen

State: Queensland

Diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer at age 21, Kristen Larsen has selflessly volunteered for Australian and international charities to help build awareness of the illness, and to raise money for research and clinical trials. Her efforts have helped raise over $1 million for cancer charities.

Just 21 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2013, Kristen Larsen is using her experience to educate others – and raise funds for cancer research.

Despite enduring multiple operations, rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy and clinical trials, Kristen has selflessly volunteered for charities in Australia, the UK, Canada and USA, to help build awareness of the disease. Her efforts have helped raise over $1 million for cancer charities, providing much-needed funds for research and clinical trials.

Kristen has recently stepped into the volunteer role of Brisbane Regional Coordinator of ANZGOG's new program, Survivors Teaching Students. Keen to spread the word about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, and the stories of fellow survivors, she entered into and won the nationwide competition Podquest, which will allow her to launch her own podcast series Ovarshare.

She supports fellow cancer survivors and their families through a tight-knit, social media community, and through her engaging public speaking and media interviews.